Training Cats
Training a cat may not sound as common as training a dog, but cats are intelligent, observant animals that can learn a variety of behaviors and skills. With patience, the right approach, and positive reinforcement, you can teach your cat to follow commands, use scratching posts, and even perform tricks.
Why Train Your Cat?
Training strengthens your bond with your cat and helps build trust. It can also improve behavior, reduce stress for both of you, and make daily tasks easier, such as grooming or vet visits.
Start with the Basics
1. Use Positive Reinforcement
Reward-based training is the most effective method for cats. Use treats, praise, or toys to reward good behavior. Avoid punishment, as it can cause fear and damage your relationship.
2. Keep Sessions Short and Fun
Cats have short attention spans. Aim for 2–5 minute sessions and always end on a positive note. If your cat walks away, don’t force it to continue.
3. Clicker Training
Clicker training can be very effective. A small “click” sound, followed by a treat, helps your cat understand which behavior earned the reward.
Useful Commands and Skills to Teach
- Come when called: Use their name followed by a treat to encourage a response
- Sit: Hold a treat above their head and slowly move it back so they naturally sit down
- High five or paw: Tap their paw gently while saying the cue, then reward
- Using a scratching post: Reward them when they use the post instead of furniture
Handling Undesirable Behaviors
Instead of punishing unwanted behavior, redirect your cat to something appropriate. For example, if your cat bites during play, replace your hand with a toy. If they jump on counters, reward them for staying on the floor or using a cat tree.
Litter Box Habits
Training your cat to consistently use the litter box is key. Keep the box clean, placed in a quiet area, and avoid sudden changes in location or type of litter. Any messes, check out our recommended pet safe friendly product here.
Be Patient and Consistent
Every cat is different. Some will learn quickly while others need more time. Stay patient, be consistent with your cues, and always reward the behavior you want to see more of.
